CRACKING stable walls at Franklin House will be restored with a $25,000 funding allocation from the state government.
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Part of the Youngtown National Trust property requires specialised underpinning due to unsteady soil and clay foundations, and faced closure.
Franklin House property manager Hilary Keeley said movement of the walls, which line the site’s school, tea rooms and kitchen, was exacerbated in the past five years by weather changes.
‘‘What makes Franklin House so different from other National Trust properties is the school – it was the first in Tasmania, established in 1845,’’ Ms Keeley said.
‘‘We are very happy that the government has realised the value of these heritage buildings.’’
She said a Melbourne company had been engaged to conduct underpinning of the site, which involved pumping an expanding liquid underneath the affected area for stability.
Heritage Minister Matthew Groom said works would allow the site to remain open to the visiting public.
‘‘The funding has been allocated in this financial year to allow the restoration to take place as soon as possible,’’ Mr Groom said.
‘‘In addition to the support for Franklin House, the budget includes a $1.95 million investment in the Brickendon and Woolmers estates World Heritage sites and $430,000 for Highfield House at Stanley.’’
